Joseph Addison

Sitter in 24 portraitsAddison's first major poem, An Account of the Greatest English Poets, appeared in 1694. An active Whig supporter, he was made Under-Secretary of State in 1705 and was elected as an MP in 1708. In 1709 his friend Richard Steele founded The Tatler, which ran until 1711. Addison was one of the major contributors to this periodical. The two subsequently established The Spectator in 1711 and although the paper closed a year later it remained in demand, with hundreds of reprinted editions appearing over the next two centuries. While not primarily political journals, both papers took a reforming, progressive stance. The Spectator was revived in 1828, and has been published weekly ever since.

Category

Groups

Places

Links

Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.

There are occasions when we are unsure of the identity of a sitter or artist, their life dates, occupation or have not recorded their family relationships. Sometimes we have not recorded the date of a portrait. Do you have specialist knowledge or a particular interest about any aspect of the portrait or sitter or artist that you can share with us? We would welcome any information that adds to and enhances our information and understanding about a particular portrait, sitter or artist.

The National Portrait Gallery will NOT use your information to contact you or store for any other purpose than to investigate or display your contribution. By ticking permission to publish you are indicating your agreement for your contribution to be shown on this collection item page. Please note your email address will not be displayed on the page nor will it be used for any marketing material or promotion of any kind.

Please ensure your comments are relevant and appropriate. Your contributions must be polite and with no intention of causing trouble. All contributions are moderated.